Bosso fans turn up heat over Sawu pay dispute

Highlanders FC supporters have erupted in anger and frustration following reports that former assistant coach Agent Sawu has engaged lawyers to demand outstanding payments from the club, with many fans insisting that Bosso must honour its contractual obligations.

The development sparked a flood of reactions on the Chronicle Facebook page, where supporters openly questioned the club's administrative competence, legal judgment and financial accountability. While emotions ran high, a dominant theme emerged from the comments — that a contract, once signed, must be respected regardless of circumstances.

"He should be given his dues. This is business," wrote Ntandoyenkosi Mlilo, echoing the sentiments of several fans who argued that terminating a contract without following proper procedures inevitably exposes the club to costly legal disputes.

Others expressed disbelief at how the club allegedly handled the matter, questioning the quality of legal advice available to the Bulawayo giants. "Which lawyers does Highlanders have to just breach a contract like that?" asked Ephraim Makara, while another supporter bluntly described the Bosso executive as operating "like a fruit shop".

Some fans warned that recurring contractual disputes were tarnishing the club's image and potentially scaring away sponsors, noting that Highlanders frequently find themselves embroiled in controversies linked to unpaid dues.

Concerns over governance and financial management were also raised, with supporters questioning how the club continues to face claims from former employees despite reported cash injections and donations. "It's worrying that there are still outstanding payments when the club received donations. We need transparency and accountability," wrote Vukani Chris Mhlanga.

Former Highlanders assistant coach Agent Sawu has reportedly instructed his lawyers to demand US$6 000 in signing-on fees and monthly salaries for the whole of 2026, after the club allegedly terminated his contract without following laid-down procedures. Sawu's contract was reportedly due to expire on December 31 this year.

Sawu maintains that the manner in which his contract was ended was unprocedural, a position that could leave Highlanders liable for compensation should football authorities or the courts rule in his favour.

While a section of supporters backed Sawu's right to pursue his dues, others were less sympathetic, citing the team's struggles on the field during his tenure, which saw Bosso battling relegation for large parts of the season.

"He didn't deliver results. The team was fighting relegation," read one dissenting comment, with some fans also questioning why Sawu, a former Zimbabwe Saints and Dynamos player, was hired by Highlanders in the first place.

Despite the mixed reactions, the Sawu saga has once again placed the Highlanders executive under intense scrutiny, with supporters calling for professional administration and an end to repeated contractual disputes that continue to dominate headlines instead of football matters on the pitch.

Highlanders are yet to issue an official statement on the matter.